Mira Bhayandar: A shocking and infuriating incident has come to light at the Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Hospital in Mira Bhayandar, where an elderly woman in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was reportedly bitten by a rat. The incident has raised serious questions regarding the lack of hygiene and security within the hospital’s most critical department.

The victim, 89-year-old Suhasini Mathekar, was admitted to the hospital on March 12 following health complaints. Due to her critical condition, she was placed on a ventilator in the ICU located on the fourth floor of the facility.

On the morning of March 13, family members visiting the ICU were horrified to discover that a rat had bitten the elderly woman’s hand. According to the family, the rodent scurried away only after they intervened.

The victim’s family has leveled serious allegations against the hospital staff. They have questioned how the doctors and nurses on night duty failed to notice the presence of a rat or the distress of a patient in such a sensitive environment.

“It is shocking that such an incident could occur in a supposedly sterile and highly monitored zone like the ICU,” a family member stated. Public outrage is mounting over the perceived administrative apathy, with many calling for a high-level inquiry into the hospital’s management.

The presence of rodents in an ICU points to a complete breakdown of sanitation and safety protocols. Such lapses not only affect individual patients but also pose a significant infection risk to everyone in the ward.

The family has officially demanded A thorough investigation into the conduct of the staff on duty. An immediate audit of the hospital’s cleanliness and pest control measures. And Strict action against those responsible for the lapse to ensure such a traumatic event never recurs.

A significant milestone in Mumbai’s large scale housing redevelopment effort was achieved as 864 families received keys to their new homes at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar BDD Sankul in Naigaon. The handover forms part of the ongoing BDD Chawl Redevelopment Project aimed at providing modern housing and improved living conditions to long time residents of the city’s historic chawl settlements.

The moment marked a major step forward for families who have been waiting for upgraded housing through the redevelopment initiative.

The newly constructed homes are part of the Naigaon BDD Chawl redevelopment project and are intended to offer residents a more dignified and secure living environment. The housing complex has been designed with improved infrastructure and facilities to enhance the quality of life for the families moving into the new flats.

Officials stated that the redevelopment project reflects a broader effort to transform ageing residential structures in Mumbai into modern housing spaces while preserving community ties.

The redevelopment of the BDD Chawls has progressed in phases with the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority playing a key role in executing the project. The first phase of the initiative in Worli has already been completed, and the handover in Naigaon marks another important stage in the wider plan.

Authorities aim to provide new homes to all eligible residents under the BDD Chawl Redevelopment Project by the year 2029.

Alongside the BDD project, large scale redevelopment activities are underway across Mumbai. Nearly 1000 acres of redevelopment work is currently in progress in different parts of the city as authorities work to upgrade ageing neighbourhoods and provide better housing infrastructure.

The Naigaon milestone reflects the broader push to reshape residential areas across Mumbai with modern housing, improved facilities and better living conditions for thousands of residents.

Shahpur: In recognition of her innovative work in agriculture, Bhumika Bharat Shirke from Shahapur taluka in Thane district was felicitated at a special event organised at the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in Mumbai. The programme was jointly organised by the Government of Maharashtra and the Maharashtra Legislature under the theme “Empowerment of Women Farmers”.

Shirke was selected from the Thane division for her progressive farming practices and sustained efforts in promoting modern agricultural techniques among women farmers. During the ceremony, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis presented her with a memento, shawl and citation in appreciation of her contribution to the agricultural sector. Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar were also present on the occasion.

Shirke has been widely recognised in Shahapur taluka for adopting innovative farming practices while successfully combining traditional methods with modern agricultural technology. She has also actively promoted crop diversification and encouraged other women farmers to adopt sustainable and profitable farming models.

Her efforts have helped set an example of progressive agriculture in the region and have inspired many rural women to explore new opportunities in farming. The honour bestowed upon her at the state-level programme has brought recognition to the agricultural sector of Shahapur and Thane district.

Reacting to the honour, Bhiwandi Lok Sabha MP Suresh Mhatre, popularly known as Balya Mama, said that when women farmers undertake innovative experiments in agriculture, it helps bring rural regions into the spotlight at the state level.

He added that the recognition of progressive farmers from Shahapur in the state assembly was a matter of pride for the Bhiwandi parliamentary constituency and would motivate both women and men farmers to adopt modern and sustainable farming practices.

Local farmers, social activists and dignitaries from Shahapur have also congratulated Shirke for her achievement.